Future New York Times Bestsellers can be found in Savannah, GA, at Deep Center’s Young Author Project (YAP) workshops. Once per week, Deep brings together soon-to-be authors after school, beaming with curiosity and eager to share their stories and learn the craft of storytelling through writing. They are guided by volunteer writing mentors, whom Deep calls Writing Fellows. Our writing fellows are community-centered individuals ranging from local college students to sports coaches to teachers, and they gain as much from the experience as the students do.
“Working with the young authors has invited a joy into my life I didn’t know was possible,” says Amina Ba, Writing Fellow. “To see them discover the power of their writing and navigate their feelings through the power of words has been an indescribable experience,” continued Amina.
YAP writing fellows facilitate the use of a creativity-sparking project-based learning curriculum with one main goal: becoming a published author. Deep Center publishes the writings created in YAP in an anthology, and each participant receives a free copy. Additionally, at the end of each semester, Deep Laureates, Young Authors who exemplify extreme dedication and the values of YAP, are chosen by their peers to present their work at the Deep Speaks showcase. Deep Laureates have the honor of sharing their written works with family, friends, and the community.
During our YAP after-school programs, the halls outside might be quiet, but the classroom is alive with chatter and creativity. Through engaging lesson plans, sensory tools, and young people’s favorite snacks, YAP writing fellows transform the space into one where young authors’ writing can truly flourish. Most importantly, young authors are guided to see themselves as the experts of their own experiences and stories. They are encouraged to use their lives, families, neighborhoods, and current events as the primary source of inspiration for their writing.
One writing fellow shared that it is profound to watch their students go from quiet and introverted to courageous enough to write and share their stories with the world.
We host these workshops at middle schools across Savannah to encourage young authors to share their stories, help them grow as learners, celebrate their lives and communities, and express themselves with skill, confidence, and courage. The exciting news is that this gathering continues to grow, with YAP bringing this experience to 12 middle schools across Savannah.
YAP’s current participating schools are Mercer Middle School, STEM Academy at Bartlett, Oglethorpe Charter, Godley-Station, West Chatham Middle School, Southwest Middle School, Isle of Hope K-8 School, Coastal Middle School, Charles Ellis Montessori Academy, Garrison School for the Arts, New Hampstead K-8 School, and Hesse K-8 School.
The Young Author Project workshops help Young Authors write creatively, learn deeply, and raise their voices fearlessly. With their work published and read aloud to their communities, nothing can stop these Young Authors from spreading their talent and reaching new heights. We hope you, too, are inspired by Savannah’s wonderful talent! To support the young authors at the next showcase on May 17, 2026, register here. The next showcase takes place at Jepson Center, 207 W York Street.
To learn more about the Young Author Project and our workshops, visit deepcenter.org and follow us on Instagram @deepcenter912. We are always in need of volunteers to serve as Writing Fellows. As one, you will co-lead a weekly workshop that you plan and participate in, and help facilitate the Spring and Fall Final Showcases. If you are interested in becoming a Writing Fellow, contact Kalima Harris at kalima@deepcenter.org.